Peace agreement for Democratic Republic of Congo gives cause for hope

OSLO, Norway, February 28, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ – “This agreement on peace, security and cooperation in the Democratic Republic of Congo offers hope to a population that has endured great suffering,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, which was signed in Addis Ababa on 24 February, addresses not only the acute security situation in DR Congo; it also points to the fact that the underlying political problems need to be solved and economic and social development strengthened if lasting peace is to be achieved.

“A major effort involving a large number of countries is needed to resolve the conflicts in this region. I therefore welcome the fact that so many countries, in addition to the UN and the African Union, have signed the agreement,” Mr Eide said.

The Framework was signed by a number of African leaders. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon witnessed the signing.

“Addressing the underlying causes of the conflict will require a concerted effort on the part of the authorities in DR Congo, neighbouring countries such as Rwanda and Uganda, and the international community. As with all agreements, the most important and most difficult part will be its implementation,” Mr Eide said.

The conflicts and the enormous suffering they have brought to the civilian population in eastern DR Congo have prompted a major humanitarian effort by Norway. In 2012 Norway provided NOK 163 million in emergency aid to DR Congo. These efforts are continuing.